Cody Casey
Cooking a 3 lb turkey breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender meal on the table. With a fraction of the cooking time of a traditional oven-roasted turkey, this method is perfect for a weeknight meal or a smaller Thanksgiving gathering. The air fryer seals in the juices, resulting in moist and flavourful meat with a golden, crispy skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 55-70 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Ingredients | Turkey breast, oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, poultry seasoning |
| Equipment | Air fryer, instant-read thermometer |
| Weight | 3 lb |
| Doneness | Internal temperature of 160-165°F |
| Rest time | 5-10 minutes |
| Leftovers | Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 6 months |
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$155.21 $179.99
What You'll Learn
How to prepare the turkey breast for cooking
Preparing a 3 lb turkey breast for cooking in an air fryer is simple. First, ensure your turkey breast is thawed. If it is frozen, you can either leave it to thaw overnight in the fridge or submerge it in a bag in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
Next, rub the turkey breast with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter. This will add flavour and help the seasonings stick. After rubbing the turkey with oil, season it generously. You can use salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. You can also try poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, or dried sage. If you like, you can place garlic pieces under the turkey skin and on top of the turkey.
Finally, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Now it's ready to cook!
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The cooking time and temperature
If you are cooking a 3 lb boneless turkey breast, it should be cooked for 43 to 52 minutes in total. This includes flipping the breast halfway through, or turning it a quarter way every 10 minutes. The temperature should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius.
If you are cooking a 3 lb bone-in turkey breast, it should be cooked for 47 to 56 minutes in total, including flipping halfway through. The temperature should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius.
If your turkey breast is frozen, it is recommended to thaw it in a bag submerged in a bowl of cold water or in the fridge overnight before cooking.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the shape and weight of the meat. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey breast is cooked to the desired temperature. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.
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How to check if the turkey is cooked
There are several ways to check if your turkey is cooked through. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. Insert the thermometer into the thickest parts of the turkey—the thigh, wings, and breast—making sure it is close to but not touching the bone. The turkey is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
If you do not have a thermometer, you can visually check the turkey. Only start checking when the turkey is at least 85% through its cooking time, as checking too early and frequently will cause the air fryer to lose heat and affect the cooking time. Pierce the thickest parts of the turkey with a fork or thin knife. If the juices run clear and are no longer pink or reddish, the turkey is cooked.
Another way to check if your turkey is cooked is to examine its color. The turkey should be a deep golden brown when cooked. If the turkey is still very dark on the outside, it may not be cooked yet.
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How to store and reheat leftovers
Storing and reheating your air-fried turkey breast leftovers is simple. If you have any leftover turkey meat, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it in freezer bags with all the air removed for up to 6 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, it's best to reheat them in the oven to keep them moist and delicious. Preheat your oven to 325°F–350°F and place your turkey in a shallow baking dish. Pour some chicken or turkey broth, or gravy, over the meat to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can also reheat your leftovers in the microwave, but this may dry out the meat and leave the skin chewy.
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Side dishes to serve with the turkey
A 3-pound turkey breast can be cooked in an air fryer in about an hour. The air fryer produces a juicy and tender bird with a beautiful deep golden brown skin.
- Mashed potatoes: A classic side dish that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for soaking up gravy. For an ultra-rich version, use butter, milk, and sour cream.
- Dinner rolls: Soft, fluffy, and flavorful rolls are a great addition to the meal and can be used to mop up any extra gravy.
- Green beans: A simple and elegant side dish that can be sautéed with shallots or made into a casserole.
- Brussels sprouts: These can be roasted or served raw in a salad with a sage oil dressing.
- Sweet potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes are a great side dish and can also be made into a casserole with a pecan crumble topping.
- Cornbread: A warm and cheesy cornbread is a comforting side dish and can also be used as a base for stuffing.
- Mac and cheese: An extra creamy mac and cheese topped with crispy herb-flecked panko is a comforting and indulgent side dish.
- Salad: A bright and refreshing salad can be a great contrast to richer, carb-heavy options. Try shaved carrots in a blood orange dressing or a Brussels sprout salad with apple and kale.
- Cranberry sauce: A classic accompaniment to turkey, and homemade cranberry sauce is even more delicious than the canned variety.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 50-70 minutes to cook a 3 lb turkey breast in an air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
The turkey breast is cooked when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
